The Russian leader is expected to hold talks with Egyptian officials on a host of issues, topped by the situation in Syria, Libya and the Palestinian territories, along with energy issues and bilateral cooperation.

Egypt and Russia appear to have drawn closer since the military ouster of elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in mid-2013.

Last year, the two countries signed a $3.5-billion arms deal following a visit by al-Sisi – who was defense minister at the time – to Russia.